"You just want to be your own god"?

[The Valkyrie]

I am my own goddess.

God is a pussy.

[zwanzig]

I am my own goddess.

God is a pussy.

*spit take*

[Abaddon_ire]

^ In terms of scripture, not that I know of. But traditionally it's been shunned by Hindus. With being an Atheist, it's similar. But luckily I'm able to be openly gay and openly an Atheist outside of the family and that's largy due to the fact I hang out within the local metal and punk scene. Most people outside that scene that do accept it are young, so it's good to know that Trinidad is slowly evolving.

Alas, I spent a large chunk of my life thinking it was not a big deal as people made out.

Then my son came out and I found out it was an eyewatering big deal years ago. I was told by some of the religious that I would be justified killing him.

[AkiraTheViking]

^ That's horrible. Luckily you were there for him. My Dad knew that I was gay and told my mom. She didn't believe him but he had no problem with it. I wouldn't find out all of this until after he died and after I came out to my mom. The next day I came out she told me about it. Looking back, it made sense. The way my dad would be around me. He would always ask me what's wrong, that I always looked sad. And being a teenage boy who's confused and afraid to talk about it I'd get mad at him for asking. It's sad that he was patiently waiting for me to come out on my own and that he never got hear it. But I'm glad my mom still liked me, she just needed a long time to come to terms with it.

[Abaddon_ire]

^ That's horrible. Luckily you were there for him. My Dad knew that I was gay and told my mom. She didn't believe him but he had no problem with it. I wouldn't find out all of this until after he died and after I came out to my mom. The next day I came out she told me about it. Looking back, it made sense. The way my dad would be around me. He would always ask me what's wrong, that I always looked sad. And being a teenage boy who's confused and afraid to talk about it I'd get mad at him for asking. It's sad that he was patiently waiting for me to come out on my own and that he never got hear it. But I'm glad my mom still liked me, she just needed a long time to come to terms with it.

Oh he was shaking with fear for the big reveal. As a father, I knew something was coming, just not sure what. He was 14 at the time (now a full grown adult).

He was rather deflated when I responded with "OK, you are your very own person. No problemo." And that response provoked more meaningful conversation once the fear element was removed from the equation.

I know why he felt that fear. In person, I am direct and quite vociferous in my opinions. I am also a straight man all my life and make no bones about it. He came expecting a fight and didn't expect acceptance and inclusion. But that is what he got.

He is also an unexpected kid in many ways. He staged a rebellion with my ex-wife when it came to Sunday mass. When he told me about that I said "You did who in the what now?". The hex tried to go for "Well at least attend once in a while" and the response was no fucking way. 

My response? No fucking way, pardon me while I cheer.

So I find myself with one catholic ex wife and two godless heathen children. Did I do that? Maybe I led by example. Both knew it was ok to be an atheist, or gay or whatever. I never told them so explicitly. But perhaps my tolerance somehow rubbed off by example. I don't know the answer to that.

But my son, as much as it was difficult for him had an easy road. On foot of his trajectory, I ended up getting trained and manning support lines for teens coming out. It is much worse out on the frontlines. I cannot say much, because minors are involved. Legals and all. But I can say I have had to get boots on the ground for interventions. It is not pretty.

I still go back to what my daughter said (and still says) "I don't see the problem, it's the same fucking person."

[Mister Agenda]

It's probably the most truthful criticism against atheists. The only thing one wins by becoming an atheist is to commit sinful acts without having to deal with remorse.

Why do you think I would not have to deal with remorse if I did something I consider wrong? Atheism is not a 'get out of guilt free' card. Feeling bad when you've done something wrong is a human quality, and you don't need religion to feel it. You just need religion to feel bad for doing something that didn't hurt a physically existing organism.

[no one]

Tits McChesticles:

I am my own goddess.

god is a pussy.

god is more of an asshole. Have you heard the shit it spews?

[Astreja]

It's probably the most truthful criticism against atheists. The only thing one wins by becoming an atheist is to commit sinful acts without having to deal with remorse.

Why do you think I would not have to deal with remorse if I did something I consider wrong? Atheism is not a 'get out of guilt free' card. Feeling bad when you've done something wrong is a human quality, and you don't need religion to feel it. You just need religion to feel bad for doing something that didn't hurt a physically existing organism.

And religion is notorious for people who do bad things in the name of their god, or who do bad things and claim that they've been forgiven, so that's no help at all.

The only remedy is to refrain from wrongdoing, regardless of what you believe or disbelief. Only actions count.

[Fake Messiah]

It's probably the most truthful criticism against atheists. The only thing one wins by becoming an atheist is to commit sinful acts without having to deal with remorse.

Sure, considering that sins in Islam can really debilitate someone's life and stand in a way of ones's happiness.

Like, many people want to have friends who are of other religions than Islam. They don't want to kill the infidels. Or they just want a drink of beer. Or be with a person they love if they are gay or love someone who is non-Muslim religion. Or they want to have a dog as a pet. Or they want to eat some bacon. Or they don't want to starve themselves and their children for weeks on end.

If they are women there is a whole variety of advantages in sinning, like they want to be comfortable and not be covered in robes even on very hot days. Or they want to open a bank account without man's permission. Or travel abroad. Or get custody of children after divorce.

[The Grand Nudger]

There’s a difference between shame and fealty. Shame is a thing you feel for what you’ve done. Fealty is what crosses your mind when you imagine someone else watching. Any person who tells me that they need fealty to do right or feel shame. That person... is a piece of shit.

I make a mental note to never turn my back on them again. The only thing standing between them and skullfucking their neighbor is paranoia....and if they ever got better....they’d do worse.....